A rally supporting activist Melissa Atwell-Holder took place with calls for her release. Leaders accused the Guyanese government of orchestrating her detention in the US due to her anti-corruption efforts. Activists urged Guyanese in the US to advocate for her release, highlighting risks to free speech and democracy.
On a recent Tuesday evening, numerous supporters rallied at the Square of the Revolution to advocate for the release of social and political activist Melissa Atwell-Holder, commonly known as Melly Mel, who remains detained in the United States. The gathering vocalized their demands with chants of “free Melly Mel,” asserting that the Government of Guyana instigated her arrest due to her critical remarks.
Melissa Atwell-Holder was apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security at her New York residence and subsequently transferred to a facility managed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton blamed the Irfaan Ali administration for her arrest, claiming that Atwell-Holder’s revelations about government corruption were the catalyst for her detention.
In his address, Norton urged Guyanese in the United States to actively lobby their political representatives to support Atwell-Holder’s release. He stressed that the effort required is not solely local, but needs to extend internationally, as she has committed no crime beyond exposing corruption. “This fight is also in the United States… It must be pointed out that she committed no crime because all she was doing was exposing criminals,” asserted Norton.
Opposition Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir also participated in the rally, emphasizing that the administration’s actions represent an attack on democratic principles. Highlighting the importance of persistence and unity, she underscored that an attack on Atwell-Holder translates to an assault on freedom of speech and warned that the detention involved the influence of high-ranking officials including President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Furthermore, the President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Norris Witter, remarked that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” echoing the sentiments of those gathered. A close friend of Atwell-Holder, Odessa Primus, implored the population to stand against the perceived injustices perpetuated by the current administration, claiming that the government is afraid of Atwell-Holder’s outspoken nature.
As Atwell-Holder is slated to appear before a US Immigration Judge in June, her supporters anticipate that a bond hearing may occur beforehand. Many firmly believe that her detention was provoked by the Guyanese Government’s complaints about her social media activities and assertions regarding local corruption. The rally is expected to continue the following Tuesday.
In summary, the rally for Melissa Atwell-Holder signifies the opposition’s fierce resistance against perceived governmental oppression and calls for united activism from the Guyanese diaspora in the United States. With strong statements condemning the government’s alleged role in her detention, speakers emphasized the broader implications of her case for democracy and free speech in Guyana. As the date for her judicial hearing approaches, the support for Atwell-Holder continues to grow, reflecting a determination to challenge perceived injustices.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
